The music of Scotland, Ireland and Wales will be featured when the 26 voices of Island Bel Canto Singers unite with a world-renowned harpist for a concert in Parksville on Dec. 8.
Hailed as a "harp genius", Josh Layne has just returned from a three-month concert tour of Europe and is on his way to Knox United Church (345 Pym St.), according to a news release by Island Bel Canto Singers.
"Whether you love Celtic music or the glorious sound of the grand classical harp or the beautiful harmonies of the central Island’s premier adult treble choir – this concert will be sure to delight," the release said. "There is also plenty of seasonal music to get you into the Christmas spirit."
Those who love harp music will hear Layne play four solo pieces, including exciting concert variations on 'Deck the Halls', 'The First Noël' and 'O Christmas Tree'; as well as the beautiful "Christ Child’s Lullaby" from the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.
“The choir and I are excited and honoured to have Josh with us for these two concerts," said Fiona Blackburn, Island Bel Canto Artistic Director. "And Josh is equally as happy to be back home on his beloved Vancouver Island – and particularly to play for Oceanside audiences.”
Layne and the singers will perform an iconic work for voices and harp – Benjamin Britten’s "A Ceremony of Carols", which brings 600 year-old carols back to life.
The choir will present songs from the Irish sensational production, Riverdance, as well as familiar melodies such as: ‘The Skye Boat Song’ (used on the Outlander TV series), 'Christmas in Killarney', 'I Saw Three Ships', and even a piece in Scots Gaelic – 'Chi mi na mórbheanna' (the Mist-Covered Mountains). The choir’s collaborative pianist, Stefanie Unger, will accompany some of the repertoire.
“As a singer who has recorded and toured Celtic music, I wanted to share my love of these songs with the choir," said Blackburn. "We have had so much fun polishing the up-beat pieces; the women sound beautiful, singing the soulful melodies; and I even persuaded them to learn the difficult sounds of Scots Gaelic!”
The concert starts at 3 p.m. on Dec. 8.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for youth under 25 years old. Children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased from the Port Theatre box office or at the door.
